The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Deep brain stimulation to control epileptic seizures
Neurostimulation, HCA UK offers deep brain stimulation (DBS) implants to help control the symptoms of epilepsy
About deep brain stimulation for epilepsy
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) aims to reduce epileptic seizures. DBS is conducted through a medical device called a neurostimulator, which sends electrical impulses to specific targets in the brain to help reduce seizures.
The neurostimulator is a pacemaker-style device, surgically implanted in the body.
Need to know
This procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic. The neurosurgeon will first implant small electrodes in the brain. The precise position of the electrodes will vary depending on the symptoms and which areas of the brain need targeting.
You will remain awake during the surgery so that the team can monitor your brain function as they place the electrodes. The electrodes are then connected to a tiny pulse generator which is implanted in the chest or abdomen area.
The pulse generator delivers electrical stimulation to the target area of the brain. This alters some of the neural pathways which cause epileptic seizures.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
When you have recovered from your surgery, the neurostimulator will be activated by your consultant. They will show you how to use the device and tell you when you may need to switch it off.
DBS will lessen your symptoms, but you will still need to take your epilepsy medication to help prevent seizures. Your consultant will monitor your progress over the following months.
Our DBS for epileptic seizures locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.